The absence of Minor League Baseball in 2020 and pending contraction of dozens of affiliates next year has flooded the free agent market with talent. The Marlins contributed to that by releasing at least 41 prospects in June. The purge affected numerous player types, including teenagers with no experience in official games, former early-round draft picks who didn’t progress as quickly as hoped and Triple-A depth with limited skill sets. But most of them are determined to continue pursuing their big league dreams.
Under such challenging circumstances, these athletes are grateful for independent leagues.